Living Will

In one sentence

A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.

Plain English

A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.

Ad slot

Example

After her mother's heart attack, Jennifer finds her mother's living will stating she does not want to be kept alive on machines if there's no hope of recovery. When her mother's condition becomes hopeless, Jennifer and the doctors follow the living will and allow her mother to pass naturally.

Used in a sentence

“The patient's living will clearly stated she did not want artificial life support in the event of permanent unconsciousness.”

Related terms

Power of Attorney

A legal document authorizing someone to act on your behalf in financial or medical decisions.

Guardianship

A court-ordered arrangement where one person has legal authority to care for another who cannot care for themselves.

Probate

The court process of validating a will and distributing a deceased person's estate.

Executor

The person appointed to carry out the instructions in a will.

Legal Capacity

The legal and mental ability to enter into a binding contract.

Material Fact

A fact that significantly affects a party's rights, obligations, or decision-making in a contract.

Intestate Succession

The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.

Elective Share

A surviving spouse's right to claim a portion of the deceased spouse's estate despite the will.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.